By Ibrahim S. Bangura
For over two decades, Paul School for the Blind in Bo has stood as a symbol of hope for visually impaired children in southern Sierra Leone. Established in 1997 by the late Paul Joseph, a retired teacher from Christ the King College (CKC), the school was born from a vision of inclusion, equal opportunity, and access to education for all.
Late Paul, who retired at over 60 years of age, was motivated by the plight of blind children, particularly those from rural communities who had no option but to travel to Freetown for education—the only place that had a school for the blind at the time. Determined to change this, he created an alternative in Bo to serve families unable to send their children far from home.
Today, the school accommodates approximately 60 students. But while it has grown in size and impact, it continues to struggle with deep-rooted challenges that threaten its sustainability and the wellbeing of its students.
During an interview on Tuesday, July 5, 2025, at the school compound, Mohamed Sallieu Conteh, the principal of the school, shed light on two major problems: parental neglect and inadequate funding.
“Some parents abandon their blind children here, leaving us entirely responsible for their care,” Conteh lamented. He added that while support from philanthropists has helped, the lack of consistent parental involvement has placed a significant strain on the institution.
In terms of funding, Conteh acknowledged the government’s support but noted that it falls short of covering the school’s many expenses. “We have to stretch the funds across staff salaries, transportation, school maintenance, educational materials, food, and medical emergencies. It’s not enough,” he said, shaking his head.
The impact of insufficient funding is felt most directly in the students’ daily lives. “When food is scarce, the children struggle to concentrate, and their academic progress slows,” Conteh explained. Poor nutrition, coupled with a lack of proper medical care, results in frequent absenteeism and ill health, further disrupting their education.
Despite these difficulties, the staff remain resilient. “We manage to cope, but it’s tough,” Conteh admitted. “Sometimes we rely on local hospitals like Gilas Hospital, where Dr. Benda offers help. His support is appreciated, though not always enough.”
Paul School for the Blind, which motto is Christ in the Way, has not only educated but empowered its students. Conteh proudly shared that several alumni have earned advanced degrees and are now employed, some returning to support the school. “These success stories have helped reduce societal stigma. People are beginning to see that blindness doesn’t mean inability,” Conteh said with a smile.
Conteh highlighted a shift in educational methods—from traditional to digital—posing new challenges. “In the past, we used tape recorders. Now we need digital recorders and computers, but they’re expensive,” he said.
The school needs computers for training. “Each student going to secondary school should have a recorder and basic computer skills, but we can’t provide enough of either,” Conteh stressed.
Conteh also revealed concerns about the school’s physical condition. “Our buildings are old and need renovation. The accommodations are inadequate, and this affects the students’ comfort and safety.”
He compared the situation to similar schools in Kabala, stating that many institutions for the blind face the same crisis.
Despite these mounting challenges, Conteh and his team remain committed. “We’re doing our best, but we need more help,” he pleaded. “Government, NGOs, and private citizens—anyone who can assist—we need you.”
Paul School for the Blind is not just a school. It is a place of refuge, hope, and transformation for visually impaired children. Through resilience and the power of community, it continues to light a path forward for those often overlooked.